Orlando, FL – Graphics of the Americas (GOA) President George Ryan today announces that the 2013 Graphic Arts Leader of the Americas recipient for North America is world-renowned author, consultant, speaker, and professor Frank Romano. Frank will receive the honor in an official ceremony to be held during GOA's evening GALA taking place in Orlando on February 21, 2013 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort. The GALA is always held in conjunction with the Graphics of the Americas Conference & Exposition, next year taking place in Orlando, Florida, on February 21-23, 2013; at the Orange County Convention Center.

Established in 1982, the annual GALA Award is one of the printing industry's most prestigious honors. It is given to professionals who excel in management, technology, business and quality; and those who significantly contribute to the graphic arts industry as well as back to the community. Members of the Printing Industry of America and CONLATINGRAF associations nominate the award recipients – one representing Latin America, and the other, North America .

George Ryan, GOA President, says, "I know I speak for all of us in North America when I say I am proud that the man known throughout the world as a hero of print technology progress is one of our own. Frank's positive yet straightforward analysis and opinion on our industry, always delivered with warmth and humor, has been instrumental to hundreds, if not thousands; who have wondered, struggled, and prospered. Frank is a gentleman, a scholar and a friend. I look forward to celebrating this honor with him at the dedication ceremony."

"Frank has been almost a father figure for WhatTheyThink since our beginning. He is one of the kindest people in the industry - no motives, just a genuine friend that will help anyone who has the industry's best at heart. Frank has traveled the world and allowed us to share his travels. No matter the medium, Frank is the authority figure and I will always be indebted to him!"

- Randy Davidson, CEO and Founder, WhatTheyThink

"Frank's contributions to graphic communication education, industry, research, application, and critical thinking defines the significance of printing not only in the 20th Century but in the 21st Century as well. Frank is a Renaissance man and a futurist. He is a man of the highest moral character, the most generous of his time, and at an intellectual level beyond anyone else I know in the graphic communication industry."

-    Harvey R. Levenson, Ph. D.; Professor and Department Head, Graphic Communication Department, Cal Poly State University

Frank Romano – North American GALA Award Recipient
RIT Professor Emeritus Frank Romano's career has spanned 54 years in the printing and publishing industries. Many know him as the editor of the International Paper "Pocket Pal" for 30 years, or have read one of the thousands of articles he has written. He is the author of 52 books, including the 10,000-term Encyclopedia of Graphic Communications (with Richard Romano), the standard reference in the field.

Romano lectures extensively and was the principal researcher on the landmark EDSF study, "Printing in the Age of the Web and Beyond." He has been quoted in many newspapers and publications, as well as on TV and radio. He appeared on the History Detectives PBS program and serves as president of the Museum of Printing in North Andover, MA.

Romano's distinguished career in education has resulted in a generation of students who advance the printing and publishing industry worldwide.

For more information about GOA 2013 or to register, please visit: www.goa2013.com.